Rahul Dravid Takes Ownership of Dublin Guardians in European T20 Premier League
Rahul Dravid Joins ETPL as Owner of Dublin Guardians
Dublin [Ireland], May 11: In a pivotal move for the international growth of cricket, the European T20 Premier League (ETPL) has announced that Indian cricket legend Rahul Dravid will be the owner of the Dublin Guardians franchise. This announcement marks the completion of the league's six-team structure ahead of its anticipated launch in 2026.
The unveiling of Dravid as the owner took place during a significant event in Dublin, where franchise owners from various teams gathered, including Vipul Aggarwal from the Glasgow Franchise and Jonty Rhodes along with Madhukar Shree from the Rotterdam Franchise. The event was attended by ETPL co-founders Abhishek Bachchan, Saurav Banerjee, Priyanka Kaul, and Dhiraj Malhotra.
Notable figures from European cricket were also present, such as Brian MacNeice, Chair of Cricket Ireland; Sarah Keane, CEO of Cricket Ireland; Roland Lefebvre, Director of High Performance of Cricket Netherlands; and Trudy Lindblade, CEO of Cricket Scotland. Their presence underscores the robust institutional support and growing enthusiasm for Europe’s inaugural ICC-sanctioned multi-country franchise T20 league.
In collaboration with Cricket Ireland, Cricket Scotland, and the Royal Dutch Cricket Association, ETPL introduces a unique cross-border franchise model featuring teams from Dublin, Belfast, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Rotterdam, and Amsterdam. The league aims to establish Europe as a significant growth area for cricket, with aspirations to expand into new markets as the sport's popularity continues to rise across the continent.
International cricket stars such as Mitchell Marsh, Tim David, Mitchell Santner, Liam Livingstone, Glenn Maxwell, Faf du Plessis, and Heinrich Klaasen are expected to participate, providing a unique platform for emerging players from Europe and other Associate Nations to compete alongside some of the biggest names in cricket.
During the launch, Abhishek Bachchan emphasized that ETPL's mission extends beyond merely establishing a cricket league; it aims to inspire and cultivate young cricket talent in Ireland and throughout Europe. He noted the strong backing from the global cricket community, with renowned personalities like Rahul Dravid, Steve Waugh, Glenn Maxwell, Jonty Rhodes, Chris Gayle, Faf du Plessis, and Heinrich Klaasen supporting the initiative, reinforcing the belief that Europe could become a major hub for cricket growth.
Rahul Dravid expressed his commitment to ETPL, citing its mission to enhance cricket in Ireland and Europe through grassroots initiatives and opportunities for young players. He acknowledged Dublin's vibrant cricket culture and potential, stating that fostering emerging talent has always been a priority for him, and he believes ETPL can significantly contribute to this goal.
Brian MacNeice, Chair of Cricket Ireland, remarked that this is a historic moment for cricket in Ireland and the broader European cricket landscape. He believes ETPL can greatly enhance the visibility of cricket, increase participation, and improve playing opportunities for players in the region, while also creating pathways for future generations.
Trudy Lindblade, CEO of Cricket Scotland, added that ETPL represents a significant opportunity for cricket in Scotland and Europe. Initiatives like this can strengthen the sport's ecosystem, enhance player visibility, and inspire the next generation of cricketers.
The franchise ownership structure of ETPL features an impressive array of cricket legends, entrepreneurs, and international investors:
– Dublin franchise – Rahul Dravid
– Belfast franchise – Glenn Maxwell and Rohan Lund
– Edinburgh franchise – Kyle Mills, Nathan McCullum & Rachel Wiseman
– Glasgow franchise - Vipul Aggarwal and Chris Gayle
– Amsterdam franchise – Steve Waugh, Jamie Dwyer and Tim Thomas
– Rotterdam franchise – Jonty Rhodes, Faf du Plessis, Glashin and Samir Shah, with Madhukar Shree as Managing Partner.